Name: Kate Borromeo

Instructions: Now that you have proven that there is a problem, you must research possible solutions to the problem. You must turn in this research sheet completed with two articles attached that show possible solutions and why they would work

III. There are many possible solutions to this problem. The possible solutions are: (Two articles must be attached and annotated bibliography)

To avoid the concern of the application of euthanasia violating the trust between doctors and patients, medical professional's should have consent from the patient him/herself (verbal and signed contract) ("Death With Dignity: Choices and Challenges"). The Supreme Court ruled that every American has the right to refuse unwanted medical treatment for any reason, even if it leads to death, including the right to refuse food and fluids. The patient requesting euthanasia must be of a certain age, mentally competent, and terminally ill before being considered ("Death With Dignity: Choices and Challenges"). The patient's particular case should be reviewed and deemed appropriate before any further measures regarding euthanasia takes place . Three medical professionals (physicians) must examine patient before diagnosing

Ganzini, L., Nelson, H. D., Schmidt, T. A., Kraemer, D. F., & al, e. (2000). Physicians' experiences with the oregon death with dignity act. The New England Journal of Medicine, 342(8), 557. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/223939612?accountid=36630

Nelson Ganzini is a Geriatric Psychiatrist at the Oregon Health and Science University. This article the statistics regarding euthanasia in Oregon, the only state that has legalized euthanasia in their Death with Dignity Act.


Girsh, F. (2000, Death with dignity: Choices and challenges. USA Today, 128(2658), 62. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/214602876?accountid=36630

This article discusses how the rights of terminally ill patients have been established, but that the controversy regarding physician-assisted suicide still exists.


IV. The solution I (we) propose is: (This section will become your proposed legislation. Be sure to include what agency will implement your law, proposed cost if any and effective date)

Patients requesting euthanasia must be medically examined by at least three physicians who confirm that the patient is medically competent and terminally ill. The patient must be over twenty-one years of age to be able to request euthanasia and the consent from the patient must be both verbal and written in a signed contract. Euthanasia may only occur with the consent of the patient him/herself; Consent from a family member or any other individual will not be acceptable.



V. I (we) think this solution will work because: (You must use factual information to prove your solution will work)

It cannot be considered murder if the patient is examined by numerous medical professionals and is diagnosed as an acceptable candidate to undergo euthanasia. This is supported by the Supreme Court which declares every American has the right to refuse unwanted medical treatment for any reason, even if it leads to death, including the right to refuse food and fluids. Euthanasia will only be applied if the consent from the patient, and only the patient is granted. Without the consent of the patient, euthanasia will not be acceptable. This solution will work because the rights of the patient are considered. Additionally, those opposing euthanasia claiming it is murder are also considered because the Supreme Court declares that the patient has those particular rights, therefore, euthanasia is not defined as murder.